time is up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time is up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain amount of time has been exceeded or that an event or activity has come to an end. For example, "It's been a great conversation, but unfortunately, time is up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Time is up".

The New York Times

Their time is up.

The Economist

Mathew Martoma's time is up.

The New Yorker

But our time is up.

The New Yorker

Gogglebox, your time is up.

Independent

LEHRER: Time is up.

The Washington Post

But time is up.

The Guardian - Music

Our time is up.

The Guardian - Books

The time is up.

The New York Times

Many feel his time is up.

The Economist

Two-thirds of that time is up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time is up" to signal the end of an activity or a deadline. It provides a clear indication that no more time is available. Consider your audience and the overall tone when choosing this expression; while universally understood, its directness may not always be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "time is up" in situations that are ongoing or haven't reached a definite end. For example, saying "time is up" about a project that is delayed but still in progress is inaccurate; instead, use phrases like "we're running behind schedule" or "we need to catch up."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is up" functions as an interjection or statement to indicate that a designated period has concluded. This signals the end of an activity, deadline, or allocated duration. Ludwig shows this phrase's prevalent use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time is up" is a versatile phrase used to signal the conclusion of a designated time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to academia and business. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives exist for professional settings. Its primary function is to inform that the allotted time has expired, urging closure or cessation. Understanding its appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time's over

Uses a contraction to shorten "time is", making it slightly more informal.

the deadline has passed

Specifically refers to exceeding a set deadline, adding a sense of urgency.

the allotted time has expired

More formal and emphasizes the expiration of a predetermined time frame.

we're out of time

Focuses on the lack of remaining time from a group perspective.

our time is finished

Emphasizes completion and conclusion of the duration, in a slightly dramatic or conclusive way.

the period is concluded

Formal and signals that a segment or phase has ended.

the session is over

Specific to meetings, discussions, or therapy, signaling closure.

that's all the time we have

Politely indicates the end of an interview, presentation, or segment.

the game is over

Refers to the termination of a contest, but applies metaphorically to other situations.

the end of the line

Implies reaching a final point or limit, often with a sense of finality or consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "time is up" in a sentence?

You can use "time is up" to signal the end of a designated period or activity. For instance, "The exam is finished; time is up, please hand in your papers."

What's a less direct way to say "time is up"?

If you want to be less direct, consider saying "That's all the time we have" or "Our time is finished". These alternatives are often perceived as more polite, especially in professional settings.

Is it okay to use "time is up" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "time is up" is generally more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "the allotted time has expired" or "the deadline has passed" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "time's up" and "time is up"?

The phrase "time's up" is simply a contraction of "time is up". Both have the same meaning and are widely used, but "time is up" may sound slightly more formal due to the absence of the contraction.